We’ve got you covered. Food, drink, nibbles, gifts, dogs, cats, even kids and birds; and something for all budgets. Food and drink ideas for Christmas across the board.

This guide pulls together a mix of food and drink treats for Christmas. You get gifts that land well, plus things you’ll want for your own table.

You’ll find standout bottles, clever kitchen kit, and small luxuries for your pets. There are rich chocolates, ready to pour cocktails, and bubbles that lift any gathering. What will you bring home this year, and what will you wrap for someone else?

Tables

Clawson Farms cheese collections, prices vary

If you’re looking for a great cheeseboard selection with all the biscuits and chutneys etc as part of the package, head to Clawsons. Each of their cheeses has its own unique story to tell, whether you’re looking for something light and fresh to serve alongside slices of ripe pear and honey, or a bold, expressive, decadent blue to pair with a fine red wine. The 1912 Stilton is something else.
Shop selections here

Tracklements Farmer’s Market Gift Pack, £14.05

Because Boxing Day is nothing without pickles. Love this carefully curated selection of Tracklements’ favourite condiments. For the best-tasting cheeses, cold cuts, hand raised pork pies, and hunks of warm bread for the finest picky plate in town. Contains Green Tomato Chutney 200g, Particularly British Piccalilli 170g, Tomato & Chilli Chutney 190g
Get it here

Umai Modern and Heritage caviar, 50g £75

There are few things that feel quite as luxurious as caviar. And Christmas is definitely the time for indulging in a spot of luxury. Umai caviar simply offers two distinct flavour profiles; Umai Modern and Umai Heritage. Umai Modern has a great savoury nuttiness with a clean umami finish on the palate and a lovely firm texture. Umai Heritage offers a more classical and full flavoured profile; ocean breeze and a delicate soft texture – one for the Oscietra lovers.
Get it here

Unearthed Brie & Pavé, £4 and Spanish Pickles, £5

Creamy Brie and Pavé au poivre, a rustic, pepper-coated dry-cured pork sausage, is a fabulous pairing – velvety richness and gentle peppery heat. Whack onto a warm baguette and quaff with a light Pinot Noir for party snacking. We also love these Spanish Style Pickles, inspired by the traditional Banderilla pintxo, a vivid mix of cornichons, red pepper, silverskin onions and Manzanilla olives which gives a tangy, crunchy, savoury flavour in every bite. Bring Spanish bar culture into your home. Thread onto skewers for instant pintxos, or if you’re heathens like us, scoff straight from the bucket.
Available Waitrose, Sainsbury’s etc.

Josephinenhütte No4 Champagne glasses, set of two glasses £140

Gorgeous bubbles deserve an elegant glass like the Josephine N° 4. Its balanced shape, with a large surface area and a shortened aroma chimney, allows even complex sparkling wines to shine while ensuring a long-lasting, fine mousse. Sweet wines like Auslese, Ice Wine, Tokaji, and Sauternes also benefit from the form of this unique glass. These are light, elegant, and feel special to drink from. A lovely pressie, it’s not all just food and drink ideas for Christmas, but the bits around it too.
Get them here

Tipples

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage, £42 for 75cl

We couldn’t have that caviar and those beautiful glasses without some fizz to go along. We’ve picked this one because it came top for English bubbles in our wine tasting feature over the summer. A classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier and a perfect balance of elegance and intensity. The blend includes wines from all the Nyetimber vineyards (West Sussex and Hampshire) and also from several vintages. Comes in a nice box too.
Get it here

Tácnbora Sauternes cask finish whisky, 58.2%, £57

A great Christmas gift idea for both men and women who love whisky. Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery’s limited edition in the Tácnbora cask finish series: the Tácnbora sits for nine months in ex-Sauternes oak, infusing the naturally sweet, cask-strength Tácnbora blend with luxurious layers of honeyed apricot, ripe stone fruits, toffee, and almond. Delish.
Get it here

Kennet Crayfish gin, prices vary starting £6.50

If gin is more your thing, this is something a bit different. The Kennet Crayfish Co gin is actually made using crayfish, although it doesn’t taste of shellfish, there’s something of the fresh seaside about it, and the crayfish gives it a bit of sweetness. Savoury notes of dill, a peppery hit from watercress, a burst of fresh zest from ripe lemon… we bet this would pair well with Clamato, but it’s lovely with tonic!
Get it here

Letterbox Christmas Cocktails Box, 3 x 275ml bottles, £41.95

Fabulous gift to send to a friend if you’re not going to be able to see them. Cocktails that will fit through the letterbox! You get Candy Cane Martini – Premium Brand Vodka, POLAR Peppermint Liqueur, Raspberry Syrup & Fresh Lemon Juice – 10% ABV, Gingerbread Whiskey Sour – Premium Brand Whiskey, Gingerbread Syrup, Bitters and Fresh Lemon Juice – 13% ABV, and Rum Rum Rudolph – Premium Brand Rum, Cherry Syrup, Bitters and Fresh Lime Juice – 12% ABV.  Plus festive gift wrap complete with tissue paper, ribbon, star confetti and a candy cane. There are also hand-made fruit garnishes and serving instructions.
Get it here

MOTH festive snacking selection box, £59

A full-strength festive cocktail celebration, delivered. MOTH has teamed up with Brindisa to create the ultimate cocktail hamper. A dreamy selection of MOTH cocktails, paired with moreish Perelló olives and snack mix, savoury Torres truffle crisps and rich Tony’s chocolate. A perfect way to say thank you. Congrats. Or Merry Christmas. Gift-boxed and ready.
Visit the Moth store

Chocolate

Lily O’Brien Shoe Box Hamper, £55

A stylish chocolate hamper filled with several of Lily O’Brien’s most popular assorted milk, dark and white chocolates collections. Expect mixed selections, caramel truffles, toffee pouches and honeycomb crispy hearts in the mix, as well as lots of other bits.
Get it here

Baileys Chocolate Caramel Whirls, RRP £2.75

One for those with an extremely sweet tooth and a love of Baileys! Milk chocolate whirls filled with the famous Irish cream liqueur flavour, soft mallow, and a caramel flavour sauce. Whirls with a hint of Baileys.
Available in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s etc.

Catherine’s Originals vegan chocolate selection tin, from £33

Still on the chocolates but this time it’s for the vegans. If you’re sad not to be able to dive into the Quality Street tin, this is for you! A chocolate selection tin (it’s even got an option to personalise by engraving the name of your loved one) packed with approximately 81 delectable vegan chocolate treats, featuring their original nine flavours and delivered in good time for Christmas.
Get them here

Kitchen bits

Hokan bowls, £90 for the set of three

Love these bowls – ideal for the enthusiastic Asian-inspired home cook. Hokan Bowls are stoneware bowls which have a multitude of uses. Robust and durable, they’re multi-purpose, going from freezer and fridge to oven or microwave, to landing on the table. They’re designed to stack to fit neatly in the fridge or cupboard. Even better, the lids are one-size-fits-all. You can also order spare lids. Small bowls start at £25.
Get them here

Hexclad Hybrid wok with lid, from £129

This viral fave now also has a small version for home cooks, singles, lighter eaters… Perfect for stir-fries, pasta dishes, soups, deep frying, and much more. The best thing about Hexclad is the non-stickery. Perfect sear, perfect for frying eggs, perfect for tossing stir-fries. The famous TerraBond ceramic non-stick coating means it’s perfect for hob to oven cooking too. Believe the hype.
Get Hexclad here

Swan Retro 8L Dual Basket Air Fryer, £129.99

Look at this fabulous retro colour, and the versatility of this ‘double garage’ air fryer. Loads of pre-settings take the hassle out of working out cooking times – one touch cookery at its easiest. And having two trays means you can cook an entire meal all at the same time. Dishwasher safe baskets and clear LED displays. A cracking gift for a young adult striking out and leaving home, we thought.
Get it here

Our little friends…

Pooch & Mutt Christmas treats, from £2.49

We love this brand, and so does the boss’s pug, Alice Pickle the Duchess of Pickleton. You will be pleased to know that Alice has tested a few things out for this feature and has given the seal of approval. There’s lots to choose from and we love the brand for its vet-recommended range, with high quality natural ingredients free from grains and junk. Lots of tail wagging and good for them too. Also stuff for kitties.
Get it here

Ruffingtons Artisan Baked Dog Treats, from £5

Quite possibly in the ‘more money than sense’ bracket, we absolutely adore these treats for dogs. Ruffingtons has created an exquisite new range of luxurious patisserie-style treats, just for doggies. Hand-decorated, edible works of art, free from artificial additives, all beautifully packaged and sealed with love, ready for gifting.
Daft? Yes. Did we get a load and squeal excitedly about them? Also yes.
Get yours here

A Little Bird Co, Little Birder Set, £24.95

The Little Birder Set is the perfect kids bird feeder kit, designed for children to start learning to recognise birds at the feeder, and spot plants and wildlife beyond the garden. In this set, you’ll find a lightweight feeder made for smaller hands, a no-grow seed blend chosen to attract robins, blue tits and sparrows, and a copy of Little Moments Outdoors, a nature spotting book for kids filled with fun facts and things to look out for on walks and in the garden. This is a lovely pressie for kids and grandkids – and a tasty meal for the birds!
Get it here

Webbox Lick-e-Lix cat treats mega pack, £15

Loved by cats everywhere, and who can blame them when they come in such a delicious array of flavours? Thanks to the handy packaging, your cat can lap up Lick-e-Lix straight from the packet and they go nuts for the smooth creamy texture. This mega pack contains no artificial colours or preservatives, with grain free recipes and no added sugar. This kitten friendly pack comes in an assortment of three flavours per pack: 20 x Chicken Flavour, 15 x Salmon Flavour and 15 x Liver Sausage & Cat Grass Flavour.
Get it here

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The post Food and drink ideas for Christmas gift guide appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Fear not, we have done the research on the best bargains and luxury drinks for stocking your cellar up. From champagnes and wines to brandies and the best vodkas, we’ve got them all here. There are also some amazing deals on luscious low and no alcohol options. What are you waiting for? It’s time to treat yourself to a sparkling night in. After all, hoppy hour is the best hour.

Gorgeous gins

Gin is a clear spirit, flavoured with juniper berries and botanical ingredients. This premium spirit offers a refreshing and smooth experience with every sip. Served best with tonic or lemonade or shaken into a creative cocktail – I’m certain one will catch your eye. Elevate your senses and indulge in these delicious gins. A little bit of gin-spiration goes a long way.

Chase Distillery Pink Grapefruit and Pomelo Gin – 40% 70cl

Roku Suntory Japanese Craft Gin Cherry Blossom, Yuzu and Sansho Pepper 43% 70 cl

The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, 70cl 46%

Warming whiskies

There’s no whisky-business involved when buying these drinks, we highly recommend you try them. Whether served neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation of a timeless cocktail, these whiskies promise an unparalleled experience for those who indulge. Cheers to golden hour. Add a little something to your cocktail evenings with custom coasters too. Your friends will each have a personal keepsake

Think you know your drinks? Take our fun quiz

Aberlour A’Bunadh Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 70 cl

Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 43% vol  70cl

Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 70 cl

Vibrant vodkas

For many, vodka embodies the essence of refinement. Commonly known as liquid confidence, what’s stopping you from treating yourself? These selected spirits have a crisp, clean finish, making them ideal as the foundation of your favourite cocktails. Or take a shot before heading out to your favourite bar, who are we to judge?

Ciroc Premium Vodka, 40% Vol, 70cl

Crystal Head Vodka 70cl, 40% ABV – Award-Winning Premium Distilled Vodka

Grey Goose Le Citron, Premium Lemon Flavoured French Vodka

Tangy tequilas

One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor. Get ready to party. Each sip transports you to sunny beaches and festive celebrations, capturing the essence of Mexico’s vibrant spirit. Impress your gathering guests and ignite your senses with the unmistakable quality of these discounted tequilas.

Patron Reposado Premium Tequila

Don Julio Anejo Tequila, 38% vol, 70cl

Herradura Anejo Tequila, 70 cl

Breathtaking brandys

Age is just a number, but a good brandy is timeless. Life is too short to settle for anything less than the finer things, and brandy embodies sophistication in every sip. Delicate notes of spices and vanilla dance on the palate, delivering a warm, velvety finish. Whether enjoyed neat by the fireside or as the centrepiece of a classic cocktail. Get ready to make a toast this Prime Day.

Volare Apricot Brandy Liqueur, 70 cl

Torres 30 Jaime I Brandy, 70 cl

Baron De Sigognac 10 Ans Bas Armagnac Brandy 70 cl

Ravishing rums

Cupboards rumming a little empty? Time to restock on this gorgeous selection of rums. Every sip of these smooth, spiced drinks guarantees to transport you to tropical beaches and sunny breezes. With a rich amber hue and a complex flavour profile of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice, rum offers delight to the senses. Time to get ship-faced!

Kraken Black Cherry and Madagascan Vanilla Black Spiced Rum 70cl

Salcombe Rum ‘Island Street’ 40%

Kadoo Club 8 Year Caribbean Rum, 40% 70 cl

Charming champagnes

You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy good Champagne. It’s time to treat yourself, put your feet up, and pour yourself a glass of bubbles. Whether toasting achievements, celebrating milestones, or simply indulging in a moment of luxury, Champagne elevates every occasion with a symphony of crisp notes. Make ordinary moments feel extraordinary, life is better with bubbles.

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Non-Vintage Champagne, 75 cl

Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne

Taittinger Brut Réserve Non-Vintage Champagne 75cl

Wonderful white wines

White wine provides the ultimate grape escape for all who indulge. Fresh, classic, and fruity, these wines are crafted for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Filled with delicate aromas and crisp acidity, enjoy on a sunny balcony or as the perfect accompaniment to a gourmet meal.

Canti – Italian White Dry Wine 12%, 6×750 ml

Telmo Rodriguez ”Basa”, Rueda, Spain, white wine – 75cl

Radiant rose wines

Want to feel on cloud wine? Fresh from sunny vineyards, rose wine is always a crucial ingredient for having a good time. Rose embodies relaxation and luxury, two things you deserve. Embrace the beauty of a sunny afternoon and treat your family and friends to these sweet and delicate rose wines.

Bottega Rose Gold Pinot Nero Brut Rose Sparkling Wine Magnum – 150cl

Beronia Rioja Rose – Spanish Rose Wine, 75cl Bottle

Remarkable red wines

You had me at merlot. Rich in colour, flavour and history, these red wines are crafted for those who appreciate the depth and complexity of fine wines. Each sip elegantly lingers on the pallet, give the glass a swirl and indulge. These wines can be paired with a hearty meal or enjoyed by a dancing fire. Just try not to spill any…

Batasiolo, BAROLO DOCG, 75cl, Still Red Dry Wine Barolo

Bottega Venedika Rosso Venezia DOC Italian Red Wine – 75cl

Bubbly beer

Ale you need is love. And these beers will certainly provide that hoppy feeling. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast, or just starting your journey into the world of craft beer, these pints are all brewed with the absolute best ingredients. Bursting with flavour, these refreshing lagers will quench your thirst. Often hailed as the world’s oldest and most beloved alcoholic beverage, give these beers a try.

Camden Town Brewery Hells, 12 x 330 ml

Modelo Especial Mexican Lager Beer, 24 x 355 ml

Peroni Nastro Azzurro Stile Capri Lager, ABV 4.2%, 24 x 330ml

Amazingly alcohol-free

Fancying a night out whilst attempting to avoid pour decisions? Try these 0% spirits. Crafted for those who want a sophisticated drinking experience without intoxication. Carefully created to work in a variety of different alcohol-free cocktails, why not try them.

Seedlip Spice 94, Non-Alcoholic Spirit with Distilled Aromatic Botanicals, 0% vol, 70cl

Three Spirit Non-Alcoholic Alternative Spirit- The Livener, 50cl

Abstinence Blood Orange Non Alcoholic Aperitif distilled in South Africa, 75cl

Isabella Poderico

Overly enthusiastic and obsessed with everything a little nerdy, Isabella has written about everything from movie premieres to politics. She can often be found, as many writers often are, sitting in front of her laptop typing away obsessively in an extortionately priced independent coffee shop.

The post Get ready to refill your luxury party drinks cabinet appeared first on Silver Magazine.

In need of father’s day gift ideas? Here’s a guide to find your father the perfect gift.

Whether he’s a pro on the golf course, or is in need of a quick trip away, this list will give you plenty of present ideas. For budgets big and small.

Apparel

Short Sleeve Gingham Shirt, Ben Sherman, £65

This sophisticated look may be the perfect fit for your father. Oxford shirt features have been a style statement since 1963. The premium cotton will have him feeling comfy, but looking classy.

Fellard Lightweight Full Zip Fleece, Regatta, £15.95

Maybe your father is the outdoors type, or likes to get out in nature every once in a while. With low pockets to store keys, cash, or mid-walk treats, this fleece is the perfect item of clothing every man needs.

Leather Golf Scorecard Holder, TORRO, £29.99

This may only appeal to a small number of you, but could also be exactly what your dad needs. If he’s a pro on the golf course, this scorecard holder can make his life easier when it comes to winning.

A Signed Cartier Double C Man’s Ring, 18 Carat White Gold, Omneque, £875

An elegant 21st century ring in good condition. Is your father a fan of vintage, timeless jewellery items? If so, this is his piece.

Wellbeing

Gentle Moisturising Skin Balm, Boostology, £14.50

Every man deserves to pamper himself occasionally. This antioxidant-rich balm removes any dirt on the face, and soothes the skin.

The One for Men Eau de Parfum, Dolce & Gabbana, £83

This Eau de Parfum offers a highly intense masculine scent. With spicy notes of ginger, intertwined with sweet orange, and cedarwood.

Boots – men’s health and wellbeingPlanning on getting your dad some health and wellbeing products? Look no further, Boots have 5% off EVERYTHING online when we spend £50 or more. This offer is valid from the 15 June – 19 June 2023. T&Cs apply.

Food and drink

Pasties, pints and glasses hamper, Devon Hampers, £31

If your dad is partial to a pint in the pub every weekend, why not bring the pub to him! Two chunky steak pasties and a whole lot of ale, you can’t go wrong.

Silver Wee Dram Whiskey Cup, Hersey & Son, £160

Hersey & Son are offering 10% off site-wide, valid until midnight on 18 June 2023. Grab your dad a discounted, handcrafted, sterling silver cup and all their other silverware goodies. It would be rude of us not to recommend some quality silver.

Personalised Father’s Day Message Flapjack Box, Flapjackery, £24

This may be the ideal indulgent treat for anyone out there with a sweet tooth. These gluten-free flapjacks are the perfect way to say thank you this Father’s Day.

Services

Scenic Isles of Scotland, World of cruising, £999

Treat your father to a spectacular getaway. Whether he goes alone or takes a travel buddy (yourself, if you’re lucky), this 10 day trip could be just what he needs.

Want to hear more about cruises? Read more: Losing my cruise virginity

Living Legends session, Living Legends, £1,299

Living Legends provide personal, intimate recordings of your loved one’s life story. Your father will finish this session with a video capturing his memories and unique moments, set in the comfort of his own home.

AA Summer Sale, AA

If your father is a driver, then you can’t miss out on this deal. AA have a huge summer sale, offering 50% off breakdown cover packages, when you buy online by 3 July 2023. T&Cs apply.

Ellie Mongey

Having a three month break from uni, where she’s studying marketing, Ellie can normally be found in a coffee shop, on the beach or spending all her money on food. 

The post Father’s Day gift guide appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Many of us love a traditional British Christmas, but there are different Christmas traditions around the world. Non-Christian countries spend their day very differently for example. And how about swapping your turkey for some shrimps on the barbie?!

Japan’s KFC craze

And at the other side of the world, Japan doesn’t celebrate Christmas as a national Holiday, they do have their own traditions. In 1974 KFC started a marketing campaign called ‘Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!’ or ‘Kentucky for Christmas!’ This suggested that rather than sitting down with the family for turkey, families head out to their local KFC. The tradition has stuck in Japan and has gained major yuletide popularity. Each year an estimated 3.6 million Japanese families celebrate with chicken. Orders for the day have to be made months in advance, and people queue for hours on the day!

Christmas in the sun?!

If you’re looking for very different Christmas traditions around the world, then look no further than down-under! We’re used to Christmas being in winter in the Northern Hemisphere, but countries in the Southern Hemisphere have 25 December in the middle of their summer. Australia has their own very different, summery-Christmas traditions. Aussies gather on the beach to cool off and swim, where you might find surfers dressed us as Father Christmas. Christmas trees are in the sand and decorated for the holidays. And dinner is normally cooked on the barbecue. Their neighbours New Zealand have their own version of a Christmas tree, called a Pohutukawa. It’s a coastal tree that blooms a bright-red colour in December, providing shade in the hot time of year while they sing carols in both English and Maori.

Having a Russian Christmas

A lot of Russians are part of the Russian Orthodox Church which adheres to the Julian calendar. They have some very different traditions of their own and Christmas is widely celebrated on January 7th. Through the twentieth century, Russia was a Communist and atheist country, and was banned from publicly celebrating Christmas. Because there wasn’t much religious observance of Christmas, it faded out of fashion for most Russians, but since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Christmas has started gaining popularity again.

Russians now have a few of their own Christmas traditions. Covering their floors and tables in hay to represent baby Jesus’s manger, or fasting, which is broken by the appearance of the first star on Christmas Eve is a couple of traditions. Unlike Father Christmas, the Russian version Ded Moroz is tall and thin, and accompanied by Snegurochka, a snow maiden believed to be his granddaughter. They get around on a troika, led by three horses.

Gifting in Papua New Guinea

Here they enjoy the festivities, and they have a few very traditional gifts, often made from bark cloth. By beating the inner bark of certain trees and bushes until soft, this non-woven textile made. The bark is then covered in banana leaves and left to re-grow. It is produced by the Maisin women of Collingwood Bay in the far south. And originally, the cloth was traditionally used for ceremonial purposes. Still a traditional Papua New Guinea material, it’s now, however, used to make clothes and decorative homeware. This area is also the birthplace of some of the most flavourful cocoa beans in the world, which make perfect chocolate gifts.

Very different Scandinavian Christmas traditions

Denmark

While the UK we traditionally celebrate Christmas on December 25th, the Danish celebrate Christmas on December 24th. This includes Christmas dinner in the evening, traditional dancing around the Christmas tree while holding hands and singing songs, followed by presents, often late into the night. Many believe the American ‘elf on the shelf’ is based on the group of Nisse, naughty elves who assist Julemanden, Denmark’s Father Christmas meaning ‘The Christmas Man’.

Sweden

Christmas starts pretty early in Sweden, with ‘Forsta Advent’, or the first Sunday of the Advent begins the December 1st. Unlike most advent calendars around the world, one unique part of the Advent is the regular celebration every Sunday where they light a candle on their Advent candle. This means, four candles lit over the Advent total, and the occasion usually includes some delicious lussebullar (a saffron bun). No jokes about the Two Ronnies, please.

Norway

Decorating the house and the tree comes a lot earlier for most countries, but traditionally in Norway the family come together to clean and decorate the house on December 23rd. They celebrate ‘Lille Julaften’ or Little Christmas Eve. Decorating their homes with gingerbread houses is another tradtion, but only to be eaten at the end of Christmas. And much like the Danish, on Christmas Eve, after their traditional meal families will hold hands and dance around the Christmas tree while singing carols.

No matter how you’re celebrating Christmas this year, and wherever you are in the world, we hope you have fun and enjoy the festivities, even if you don’t like some of your own traditions…turkey, we’re looking at you. And hey, maybe you could try something different and make your own traditions… become inspired! Let us know in the comments if you create something different or tried a new Christmas tradition from around the world!

Lili Lowe

Lili works across all the channels; writing articles, taking photographs, creating content, and designing eye-capturing imagery. She’s an animal-lover who cries just seeing a picture of a baby sloth.

The post Different Christmas traditions around the world appeared first on Silver Magazine.

The first definition of a cocktail was described in 1806, on 13th May. A New York publication, The Balance and Columbian Repository, defined a cocktail as “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters…” And now we celebrate cocktails – if not every day, then at least once a year. Because it’s World Cocktail Day! And yes that’s a thing, but you can make this excellent cocktail any day of the year.

We’re here for this, and definitely here for making our own cocktails at home. So we asked our cocktail expert friends at the Mixology Group for a classic recipe with a modern update. And they’ve come up trumps. You’re welcome.

Ginger Whiskey Sour

50ml bourbon whiskey
20ml ginger syrup
20ml simple sugar syrup
30ml lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

This one couldn’t be easier. Shake all ingredients with ice and double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

We use the delicious House of Broughton syrup range from Fentimans, but you can make your own syrups. Create your own ginger syrup using 1:1 sugar and water boiled up with a chunk of fresh ginger for 15 mins. Sugar syrup you know how to make. You ought to.

Shake it all together and pour over ice. Garnish with orange, or sliced orange peel, or go crazy and use some candied ginger. Sip and ahhhhhhhh…

* * * * * * * * *

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The post Celebrate with a new twist on a classic – Ginger Whiskey Sour recipe appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Consistently seen as a quality, high end tipple, whiskies are starting to remarket and even repackage (Glenfiddich we’re looking at you) to attract a younger market. Whilst cocktail pods that dissolve in your mouth might be fun, surely the secret of the drink’s enduring appeal is about its quality and class? The experience of drinking it slowly, and savouring it? We wanted to find out.

As the nights get darker, longer and colder, there is nothing more enticing than a warm, amber drink by the fireside. We spoke to Myles Cunliffe from The Mixology Group to find out more about one of the longest-standing favourites in the world of spirits, and where it’s going.

TELL US ABOUT WHISKY AND HOW IT’S MADE

Put really simply, whisky is made from beer. Beer is made from a grain which is processed into a rough flour, and mixed with hot water. The hot water dissolves the starches and sugars in the grain, making a sugary liquid.

This is fermented into an alcoholic liquid via the addition of yeast. It can then be distilled in various types of stills; from copper pot stills for single malt whisky through to continuous stills for bourbon. The still concentrates the alcohol and adds to the flavour.

A minimum of two years in the barrel is used for a straight whisky from the States, whereas Scotch requires a minimum three-year sitting in the barrel

Then the alcoholic liquid is aged in a variety of barrels which may have previously held bourbon, sherry or even port and dessert wine, lending the drinks yet deeper and more complex flavours.

The time it spends in the barrel varies from country to country, but it can be anywhere between a matter of weeks or years. A minimum of two years in the barrel is used for a straight whisky from the States, whereas Scotch requires a minimum three-year sitting in the barrel.

One thing to remember when looking at a Scotch whisky bottle is to look at the label. The label always features a declaration of the malt or grain whiskies used. A single malt is one that is wholly produced from malt in one distillery.

When it comes to blended whiskies, and if it has an age statement, that refers to the youngest whisky in the bottle.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ‘WHISKY’ AND ‘WHISKEY’?

Strictly speaking, the difference between the two is where they’re from. Scotch is always spelt ‘whisky,’ and bourbon and Irish is ‘whiskey’, although you’ll find people who might disagree. It’s because of the similarities between Gaelic – both Irish and Scottish – with regards to pronunciation.

WHAT MAKES WHISKY SO PRESTIGIOUS?

The days of 15- and 20-year-old whiskies ruling the shelves of a bar are over

Generally, it’s due to the time it takes to produce. It’s also to do with the continual barrage from marketers that the older the whisky the better it is, making it harder for producers to sell younger whiskies.

However, the days of 15- and 20-year-old whiskies ruling the shelves of a bar are over. The increase of new distilleries brings an increase in young whiskies being released as limited editions, and new markets opening up.

HOW SHOULD WE BE DRINKING IT?

This varies from person to person; it’s about finding what works best for you. A little water, perhaps a crystal-clear ice cube, or even a splash of your favourite mixer all work just fine, as long as you enjoy it.

A big trend at the moment is serving whisky in the ‘High Ball Serve’. Essentially, whisky served long over ice with soda water. A very refreshing change from highly sugared gin and tonics. I also love a Ginger Whiskey Sour, a really tasty twist on an absolute classic.

MYLES’ FAVOURITES

If you’re a whisky drinker, you’ll already have your own favourite way of drinking it. Traditionally it’s generally been served neat or with a drop of water, and in the UK, without ice. But times change, and so do our habits. Here’s a few new ways to enjoy the amber fire…

NAME: Islay Malt Old Fashioned

TASTING NOTES: Smokey, bittered with the addition of Angostura bitters or the Aromatic Bitters from Mrs Better’s Bitters, with a hint of sweetness by adding the sugar of your choice. It could be honey, agave or even golden sugar.
BEST TO HAVE WITH: Great after dinner but exceptional with a great steak.
NEVER DO THIS: A common garnish are those horrid cocktail cherries. Ditch those in favour of some orange zest squeezed over the top.

NAME: Speyside High Ball with Fentimans Soda Water

TASTING NOTES: Tall and refreshing. Depending on your choice of whisky, it can be rich and complex or light and floral.
BEST TO HAVE WITH: Bar snacks. Have fun making your own, from candied nuts and bacon bits to hand fried crisps with white truffle mayonnaise. Be as decadent as you like.
NEVER DO THIS: Always use fresh bottles of soda water. Avoid the temptation of using the bottle of soda in the back of the fridge from last week. Instead, looking for smaller bottles, and don’t forget to store it in the fridge.

NAME: Bourbon Manhattan

TASTING NOTES: I make mine with the full-bodied red vermouth from Bolney Wine Estate, but look for a rich red vermouth to make this with to give the drink proper depth.
BEST TO HAVE WITH: Cheese!
NEVER DO THIS: Don’t use old vermouth. Treat your vermouth like wine – keep in the fridge once opened and safely consume within four weeks.

Myles Cunliffe is a specialist mixologist and viticulture expert who has worked globally, opening venues for clients all over the world, creating cocktail menus and training teams. A qualified WSET trainer, his work in the industry and training field has seen him awarded an Imbibe Educator of the Year gong. Thanks to him and The Mixology Group for their help with this feature.

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